Maya Entertainment Has “Sympathy For Delicious”

Maya Entertainment Has "Sympathy For Delicious"

Maya Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights to Mark Ruffalo’s directorial debut “Sympathy for Delicious,” in a seven-figure deal, it was announced today. Marking a key project in Maya’s first quarter 2011 theatrical release strategy, the film will be released next Spring.

Written by Christopher Thornton, who also stars in and produced the project, “Delicious” follows the true story of a newly paralyzed DJ who gets more than he bargained for when he seeks out the world of faith healing. The film also stars Ruffalo, Juliette Lewis, Orlando Bloom and Laura Linney and is based on Thornton’s real-life experiences. The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where it won a special jury prize for directing.

“Delicious” was produced by Corner Store Entertainment’s Scott Prisand, Matt Weaver and Andrea Sperling, with Mark Ruffalo and Christopher Thornton. Maya also has made a deal with Tom Ortenberg’s One Way Out Media to come on board as a marketing consultant on the project.

“After its successful premiere at Sundance this year, we’re so excited to be releasing this powerful and moving film and working with Mark Ruffalo on his award-winning directorial debut,” said Tonantzin Esparza, Director of Acquisitions for Maya Entertainment, in a statement. “It’s an honor to collaborate with Mark on a project that has been so important to him.”

Ruffalo added, “This film has been a very personal project for me, and I know Maya will be a wonderful partner to have in our corner.”

The deal for Sympathy for Delicious was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group co-head Rena Ronson on behalf of UTA client Mark Ruffalo and Wendy Rutland, with Tonantzin Esparza on behalf of Maya Entertainment.